For our third day in Essaouira (Tuesday), we had our art lesson on the roof, sunshine and perfect temperatures as usual.  I think we are spoiled with this weather!  Well, I am, for sure. The thought of returning to wintry weather back home is the furthest thing from my mind right now!
Karen (our art tutor) discussed colors – contrast, cooler vs. warmer, neutrals, how to use color to recede shapes and a great idea for texture – using wax resist.
We walked down to the fort area, with cannons and ramparts and started sketching.

Original fort walls

Essaouira Fort

Our lunch was at a sunny rooftop restaurant. Taking a break from the delicious Moroccan fare, I split a pizza with Karen.
Next, I passed on sketching and went shopping. A few of us stopped into a store and bought lovely linen jalabas, which are hooded caftans.  The owner thought we were trying to negotiate, when really, we were only deciding whether to buy them right then, or wait until we returned. So he talked himself down 25% by the time we decided!  This was after he said he didn’t negotiate! He made sure to have them shortened and delivered to our riad.  I doubt you’ll find that kind of service at home, especially for that price!

Late afternoon – Karen and Nancy decided to go for a camel ride.  Abdul (our Moroccan guide) came with us to the beach and took care of getting us there and getting the camels. I decided not to ride, but instead to sketch the one camel (meant for me in case I changed my mind) who posed ever so nicely.  The minute my sketch was done, he got up and ambled away.  No one was there to make sure he didn’t leave. And no one was there (that I could see) to attend to the horse that galloped by. Whaaat? Just horses and camels strolling about the beach. That is so not normal in the U.S.  At home, all creatures are tied up or penned in.
This was just another moment in time that added to the surreal Moroccan experience.

My camel. (that I didn’t ride!) While sketching, Abdul needed to remind me to extend his lower lip. (The camel’s, not Abdul’s!)

But – back to their camel ride – I got some gorgeous shots of them riding off into the sunset.

Karen and Nancy riding their camels into the sunset

Dinner that night was fish. Fresh fish caught that day at a popular seaside eatery.  Sea bass, sardines, crab, lobster, sea bream, calamari, red snapper, plate after plate (after plate!) of fish was served. Unfortunately, my very first bite resulted in a tiny bone getting lodged in my gums.  And truthfully, while I did try a fish or two, I’m not used to so many kinds of fresh, fresh fish. And not so much a sea food lover. I didn’t go hungry though, there were enough fries and salad!

Essaouira fish dinner

Note: I know it’s been awhile since my last post! I went away (yes, again) and now the holidays are here. I appreciate your patience while I play catchup!